Satellite Mapping of Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

This report assesses the extent, nature, and evolution of artisanal and small scale gold mining in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, using satellite imagery analysis to support environmental evaluation and future monitoring. It applies landscape change analysis based on multispectral Landsat imagery from 2002 to 2015 and high resolution imagery from 2013 to 2015 to characterise mining techniques and infrastructure. Results show substantial declines in dense vegetation, marked expansion of agricultural land, and significant increases in mine affected areas and exposed soils across three catchments. Detailed imagery confirms dredging, open pit mining, and rock mining, alongside associated camps and settlements, highlighting the spatial variability and dynamic development of mining activities.